March 7 – Waiting on the Lord

Isaiah 40:31 – "But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

Reflection: In times of waiting, don’t lose heart. God’s timing is perfect, and He will give you strength to endure.

Isaiah 40 was written to encourage the people of Israel during their time of exile in Babylon. They had suffered defeat, displacement, and despair. Many questioned whether God had abandoned them, feeling weak and exhausted after years of hardship.

Isaiah reassures them that God does not grow tired or weary, and those who place their hope (or wait) upon the Lord will find renewed strength. The imagery of an eagle soaring reflects divine empowerment, a supernatural renewal that lifts believers above their struggles. This promise was not just for Israel—it applies to anyone who endures hardship and feels exhausted from life’s battles.

The Hebrew word for "hope" (qavah) also means to wait with expectation—not passively, but with trust and confidence in God’s perfect timing.

Application to Soldiers:

Every soldier understands exhaustion—whether it’s from training, deployment, combat, or the mental toll of service. There are moments when fatigue seems overwhelming, and the weight of duty feels impossible to bear. Isaiah 40:31 speaks directly to that struggle:

• "They will soar on wings like eagles" – In combat, soldiers rely on air support to provide strength and vision beyond the battlefield. Eagles soar high above the storm, using the wind to lift them instead of wearing them down. When you place your trust in God, He will lift you above your circumstances, giving you perspective beyond the immediate fight.
• "They will run and not grow weary" – Military training pushes soldiers to run beyond their limits. This verse is a promise that God provides endurance to press forward even when the body, mind, or spirit feels depleted.
• "They will walk and not be faint" – Sometimes, a soldier doesn’t need to run into battle—they just need the strength to keep moving forward. God sustains, step by step, even when progress feels slow.

For the worn-out warrior, this verse is a divine order to stand fast, to keep pushing forward, knowing that God supplies the strength necessary to endure.

ENDEX:

Warriors know that battles are won not just through sheer force, but through endurance, strategy, and faith in leadership. Isaiah 40:31 is your call to wait on God’s orders, trusting that He will equip you for the next mission. Your strength will be renewed. The march will continue. Victory will come—not because of your own ability, but because the Lord upholds you.

Stand firm. Move forward. Trust in His strength.